Health Care Stewards Conference 2025
May 6, 2025
The 21st annual Health Care Stewards Conference took place April 14 – 15, 2025.
The conference kicked off with a welcome from Karen Vaughan, Local 175 Recorder and Registered Nurse (RN) who welcomed everyone to the two-day event.
President Tosato and Secretary-Treasurer McLean addressed the participants as well. President Tosato thanked the participants for making this the biggest conference to date and gave a big thank you to the Stewards for their compassion and dedication everyday at their workplaces. Secretary-Treasurer McLean spoke of the realities of working in healthcare and the everyday challenges that workers face.
“I want to assure you that not only are we working hard for you at the bargaining table, but we continue to push back and demand that every level of government recognize the obvious and dire crisis in our healthcare system… and that they do something about it,” said President Tosato. “Along with our allies in the labour movement, your Union has been pushing for changes for years – decades really – and we won’t stop even if we’re getting nowhere… because if we stop, they’ll think the status quo is okay. And we know very well that it’s not okay.”
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Stewards were greeted by Director’s Sandra Ashcroft and Mike Mattioli who both thanked the members and praised their dedication, encouraging them to keep fighting for the rights of themselves and their co-workers.
On day one, participants heard from several speakers who not only relate to the healthcare field, but were there to inspire and encourage Stewards to continue advocating for themselves, their co-workers, and their residents. Guest Speakers included:
- Sherry Simo – Ministry of Labour Inspector
- Union Representatives Sacha Edey and Todd Janes
- Jane Mulkewich – Director of the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Legal Department
- Natalie Mehra, Executive Director of the Ontario Health Coalition
Stewards took part in the interactive workshop called “The Value of a Union” with HOPE Sector Representatives Sacha Edey and Todd Janes. This activity provided an opportunity to raise awareness about the differences between the rights of unionized versus non-unionized workplaces in the healthcare sector.
Stewards heard from Legal Director Jane Mulkewich about Understanding the Legal Framework Surrounding:
- Absenteeism (culpable vs non-culpable),
- Protected Leaves,
- Medical Requirements and
- Return to Work.
During this session, Stewards participated in discussions , asked questions, shared scenarios, and learned how to empower themselves as labour advocates.
On day two, stewards participated in a workshop entitled Health & Safety Hot Shots, presented by Health & Safety Representative Donna Rhodes.
This workshop’s discussions and shared experiences shaped the day and participants answered questions for points on various Health & Safety Topics directly related to the healthcare industry.
The Director of Organizing, Tony Nigro, spoke to the delegates in regards to organizing new members in healthcare and community health. Director of Political Action and Member Engagement, Debora De Angelis, also spoke to the membership and focused on the importance of voting in elections.
“To all of you in this room today, and to all of your colleagues and peers in healthcare, I want to tell you that you matter. Your work matters. And when we stand together, we win. We are a force that cannot be ignored – so let’s keep the fight going,” said President Tosato.
Thank you to all of our Healthcare Stewards! Your open and respectful participation throughout this year’s conference made it a great success. See you next year!
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Read more Negotiation Updates from the Local 175 HOPE Sector! What’s HOPE? It stands for Health, Office & Professional Employees.
In health care facilities, it is the front-line workers who shoulder the responsibility in caring for patients. Find out why Health Care workers benefit from belonging to our Union!
Want to find out more about joining UFCW Local 175? See some of the benefits of voting Union Yes!